Here's a breakdown of its definition:
* Foreshadowing: The use of clues or hints to suggest what will happen later in a story.
* Purpose: To create suspense, build anticipation, and deepen the reader's understanding of the plot and themes.
* Types: Foreshadowing can be subtle or overt, and it can take many forms:
* Dialogue: Characters might say things that foreshadow future events.
* Symbolism: Objects or imagery might hold symbolic meanings that hint at what's to come.
* Setting: The environment or atmosphere might foreshadow the mood or events of the story.
* Flashback: A scene from the past might foreshadow a future event.
Example:
> "The old man's gaze was fixed on the horizon, and a deep sense of dread washed over him. He knew the storm was coming, and this time it would be different. The whispers in the wind seemed to confirm his fears, and he felt a chill creep up his spine."
In this example, the "deep sense of dread," the "whispers in the wind," and the "chill" are all foreshadowing that something bad is about to happen. The reader is left to wonder what the storm will bring.